Before she was America’s grandma (with a record), Martha Stewart actually started as a model at the age of 15. She started by doing a TV commercial for Unilever.
She ended up working as a fashion model for Chanel while she worked to pay for tuition at Barnard College. She said in the PBS documentary Makers: Women Who Make America that she did a lot of modeling gigs for $50/hour.
Stewart spent nearly ten years working as a stockbroker New York City during the 1960s. In an interview with People Magazine, she said this was the most important early job she ever had.
When you think about it, her business roots make a lot of sense because of the success she’s seen financially. She also worked in an office full of men, which prepared her for being a woman with a business later on.
Martha Stewart became America’s first self-made female billionaire in 1999 when her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, went public. This was a landmark moment, with shares surging, making her as a trailblazer in lifestyle branding and media.
Her empire was built on her expertise in homemaking, crafting, and cooking. From television shows to best-selling books and product lines, she turned her skills into a comprehensive brand. The success of her media empire fueled her wealth, pushing her into financial history.
Worlds crashed together when Stewart briefly dated Anthony Hopkins in 1990. Their relationship attracted attention, but it ended when Stewart realized she couldn’t separate Hopkins from his intense portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.
Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter incredibly impressive and chilling. Stewart thought so too, so much that she felt uneasy while around him. She even said she couldn’t picture bringing him to her home.
Martha Stewart spent five months in a federal prison in 2004 after being convicted of lying and obstruction in a case related to insider trading. Though her sentence was serious, she handled it with trademark poise and humor, even teaching yoga classes to fellow inmates.
During her time at Camp Cupcake, as it was nicknamed, Stewart embraced the experience in her own resilient way. She later joked about her unique "vacation" and seamlessly bounced back, proving that even a stint in prison couldn’t dim her entrepreneurial spirit.
Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg’s close friendship began in 2008 when he appeared on her cooking show. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable as they bonded over mashed potatoes and laughs, sparking an enduring and unexpected connection.
Since then, the duo has collaborated on projects like their hit show Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. Most recently she joined Snoop at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they celebrated her birthday together by watching the equestrian team dressage event.
Martha Stewart swears by her daily green juice, a vibrant blend of health-boosting ingredients like spinach, celery, and herbs. She credits this nutrient-packed elixir for her glowing skin, boundless energy, and overall vitality—even after a busy day.
She playfully claims that the secret to her well-being isn’t just hard work—it’s also a tall glass of green goodness to kickstart her day! She recently shared her recipe on Instagram, so we can all follow in her footsteps.
Martha Stewart’s love for animals is as iconic as her baking skills. She’s the proud owner of a menagerie, including cats, dogs, and even birds. She even has five miniature donkeys which were supposed to be working donkeys but now are just family.
In 2010, Stewart brought French Bulldogs Francesca, Sharkey, and her beloved Chow Chow, Ghenghis Khan, onto The View. The playful pups charmed the audience while she shared tips on being a dedicated pet parent. It was a paw-sitively entertaining segment!
Big surprise, Stewart is a restaurant owner! The Bedford by Martha Stewart, located at Paris Las Vegas, is modeled after her 1925 Westchester home. The restaurant offers a cozy yet elegant dining atmosphere with her signature farmhouse style.
The menu is a delightful mix of French-inspired cuisine and her personal recipes. From perfect roast chicken to baked Alaska, every dish reflects her dedication to quality. Dining at The Bedford feels like an invitation to Martha’s own table, right in the heart of Vegas.
Martha Stewart’s $5 million donation to Mt. Sinai Hospital led to the creation of the Martha Stewart Center for Living, dedicated to geriatric care. The center focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults through innovative treatments and personalized care.
With a mission to support aging with dignity, the center embodies Martha’s commitment to giving back. She also contributes to education programs and advocates for animal welfare. She consistently uses her influence to bring positive change.
Martha Stewart tries her hand at everything. She teamed up with Canopy Growth to create a line of CBD products, focusing on health and wellness. The collection includes gourmet CBD gummies in flavors like red raspberry and huckleberry.
The flavors are all Martha Stewart-approved, but these CBD treats aren’t just tasty—they’re tailored to target stress, sleep, and general discomfort. Everything is designed to bring a little calm to your daily routine.
Martha Stewart’s perfectionism has been key to her success, with her famously confessing, “I’m a maniacal perfectionist.” This relentless attention to detail has defined her brand, from crafting immaculate recipes to curating home designs that embody excellence and style.
However, Stewart acknowledges the challenges of maintaining such high standards. She’s admitted, “It can be exhausting,” as her pursuit of perfection requires constant effort. Balancing her ambitious ideals with realistic outcomes remains a continuous test, even for someone as accomplished as her.
Martha Stewart’s publishing track record is nothing short of extraordinary! With over 100 books to her name, she’s shared her expertise on everything from creating the perfect pie crust to designing breathtaking floral arrangements. Her books bring creativity to life.
Whether it’s Martha’s Entertaining, where she teaches the art of hosting, or Martha Stewart’s Cooking School, which turns culinary novices into pros, each book is a treasure trove of inspiration. Her works make the finer things feel delightfully accessible!
Martha Stewart is the ultimate media mogul, transforming her passion for lifestyle into an empire. With her company earning 18 Emmy Awards, shows like Martha Bakes and Martha Stewart Living showcase her knack for making everyday life extraordinary.
Her media spans TV, radio, and magazines, connecting audiences with practical elegance. Whether she’s teaching how to make a soufflé or design a dazzling tablescape, Martha proves she’s the queen of all things creative!
Martha Stewart’s work ethic is legendary, often described as relentless. She reportedly sleeps just four hours a night, famously saying, “I find that when you have a real interest in life and a curious life, that sleep is not the most important thing.” For her, passion fuels productivity.
Even with so little rest, she’s constantly on the move, innovating and improving. It’s rumored she even sleeps with the lights on to jumpstart her day. It takes this sort of dedication to turn her brand into the global empire it’s become.
Martha Stewart’s real estate portfolio is as impressive as her career, with eight homes at one point! From a chic Manhattan apartment to a serene farm in Bedford, New York, every property reflected her careful eye for design and detail.
Her Hamptons home on Lily Pond Lane was a classic retreat, while her Bedford estate, Cantitoe Corners, had manicured gardens and peacocks. Whether in a city penthouse or a 1925 farmhouse, Martha’s homes truly showcased her impeccable taste.
Martha Stewart has always been a reader and a library lover. It makes sense for an avid reader to become a writer, and like we said she’s written over 100 books already.
Reportedly, as a child it was her goal to read every book in her local library. Now, she defiantly has a shelf dedicated to her in every local library!
Martha Stewart made the most of her time in federal "camp," as she calls it, by getting crafty! She took a ceramics class and whipped up a gorgeous nativity scene, complete with camels, wise men, and a sassy Joseph figurine.
The best part? Martha added her prison ID number on the bottom of each piece for that extra "street cred." Now, she sells replicas of the set online, so you too can own a piece of Martha’s artistic influence—complete with holiday flair!
Martha Stewart doesn’t shy away from a good legal tussle! One of her most notable battles was with Macy's, who claimed she breached an exclusive contract by striking a deal with J.C. Penney to sell her branded products.
Always one to keep it creative, Martha argued that the deal with J.C. Penney involved "stores within stores" and wasn’t a contract violation. While lawyers battled it out, the drama added another layer of intrigue to her already fascinating empire.
Martha Stewart isn’t just great at crafting; she’s full of clever sayings too! One of her most famous quotes is, “I catnap now and then, but I think while I nap, so it’s not a waste of time.” Classic Martha!
This supports her reputation for getting little sleep and working insane hours. She can even make a nap into something useful. Although this might not be exactly true, it captures how funny and hardworking she is.
